News: The Straits Times -  8 March 2010


Bedok residents relive kampung days


(Picture: A child rolling on the water inside a giant inflatable ball. Watching him are MPs for Marine Parade GRC (from right) Mr Seah Kian Peng, Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim (back turned), Mr Lim Biow Chuan and SM Goh Chok Tong. - ST Photo)


THOUSANDS of Bedok parents with children in tow relived their kampung days yesterday as they gave their young ones a taste of the food they used to eat and the games they once played.

The open space beside Block 35, Chai Chee Avenue was a sea of squealing children trying their hand at five stones and top-spinning and their feet at the shuttlecock-like chapteh. They also got the chance to play a host of other games.

But the big hit on a hot morning at the carnival to celebrate Kaki Bukit Town Day were the cool ice sticks, coupled with free malt candy on sticks.

Many among the 3,000 people who thronged the celebration said they are long-time residents in the area. They had moved there more than 30 years ago from kampungs in places like Changi.

Among them was stationery shop owner Foo Wei Fong, 43, who has lived in Kaki Bukit for 29 years since she moved there from a zinc house in Kallang.

The mother of two, who held her 19-month-old child as she watched her six-year-old daughter attempting to kick a chapteh, said: 'Children no longer play the games we used to play.'

Taking part in the morning's fun were MPs from Marine Parade GRC, who included Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Ms Fatimah Lateef, as well as MP Matthias Yao from the neighbouring MacPherson constituency.

A women citizens' watch group was also launched at the event. Its 18 members, aged between 20 and 70, will help alert the police to persons acting suspiciously and educate women on crime prevention.

- end of ST article